Here at Maersk Line, we are preparing for strong week ahead. We thank you for your continued support and partnership. Our teams, around the world, are working hard to prioritize your business and bring our systems back online securely.

We would like to update you on the following:

Communications You will receive emails and calls from our colleagues in the same manner as before the incident. Our email addresses have been confirmed as safe for you to use. Advisories will come from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that as some of our systems come back online, you may experience that some systems will issue notifications to confirm they are safely restored. This is part of the procedure. If any doubt arises in your teams please do not hesitate to contact us.

• All other U.S. & Canadian ports terminals are operating normally • All U.S. East Coast Terminals will be closed on July 4th in observance of Independence Day • All U.S. West Coast Terminals will be closed on July 5th. Long Beach TTI will be open for first shift on July 4th. • All Canadian Terminals are closed on July 3rd in observance of Independence Day

Customer Service • Exports • Continue to book your cargo through INTTRA if you already have a registration. • Export Teams can be contacted via either: • Email: • Canada: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • US: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Credit Customers: • Cargo Release will be immediate if you have credit approved with Maersk Line prior to June 24, 2017. • Cash Customers: • Please show proof of payment, such as invoice copy, wherever possible or alternatively a B/L copy which would enable to Maersk Line to collect accurate payments. o Proof of payment should be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are putting you first.

U.S. import prices rose in December, boosted by higher prices for petroleum products, but a strong dollar kept underlying imported inflation in subdued.

The Labor Department said on Thursday import prices increased 0.4 percent last month after an upwardly revised 0.2 percent decline in November.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast import prices advancing 0.7 percent last month after a previously reported 0.3 percent drop. In the 12 months through December, import prices jumped 1.8 percent, the largest gain since March 2012, after edging up 0.1 percent in the 12 months through November.

The dollar gained 4.4 percent against the currencies of the United States' main trading partners last year.

Further gains in the greenback are likely against the back-drop of President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to boost spending and cut taxes. The fiscal stimulus is expected to stoke inflation and bolster economic growth, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at a faster pace than currently envisaged.

The U.S. central bank lifted its benchmark overnight interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 0.50 percent to 0.75 percent in December. The Fed forecast three rate hikes this year. Lower oil prices and the bullish dollar had combined to dampen imported inflation.

On an improved macroeconomic backdrop, U.S. retail holiday sales growth this year is expected to top that of last year, putting increased pressure on logistics and parcel delivery companies.

According to financial advisory firm Deloitte’s annual holiday sales forecast, U.S. retail holiday sales are expected to climb 4.0 percent to 4.5 percent year-over-year to between $981 billion and $986 billion, above last year’s holiday season growth of 2.8 percent.

“Income, wage and job growth are positive indicators heading into the holiday season,” said Daniel Bachman, Deloitte’s senior U.S. economist, in a statement. “Debt levels remain at historical lows, and stock market gains coupled with increasing home prices have a wealth effect on consumers, which may encourage increased spending compared with prior years,” he said.

“Although consumers are watching tensions unfold in the Middle East and Ukraine, the improvement in their economic situation should more than offset the foreign conflicts’ impact on consumer confidence and retail sales. Despite recent events in energy-producing areas of the world, gas prices have held steady, which may also sustain consumers’ spending power.”

U.S. imports data support the view of positive business expectations on the upcoming holiday season, according to JOC Economist Mario Moreno.

“After growing by 6.4 percent in the second quarter year-over-year, U.S. containerized imports are expected to grow between 6.5 and 7.5 percent in the third quarter of the year as retailers continue to stock their shelves,” Moreno said. “U.S. containerized imports are en route to reach a new peak volume this year, helped by retailers’ growing confidence on the economy.”

Deloitte also reported that online sales are expected to rise up to 14 percent this holiday season. Digital interactions will influence 50 percent, or $345 billion, of retail stores sales this holiday season, the analyst said.

According to Deloitte research, 84 percent of shoppers use digital tools before and during their trip to a store. Additionally, those shoppers convert, or make a purchase, at a 40 percent higher rate than those who do not use such devices during their shopping journey.